Gourd Art

A few months ago, I noticed some odd signage around town. The first unusual sign I saw was at one of Santa Fe's busiest intersections - Cerrillos and St. Michael's - in front of a Jiffy Lube.



I drove by it and my brain went, "Was that made of gourds???" I had to go by again for another look.


Sure enough, a fake road sign had been made out of dried gourds. Dried gourds are plentiful around here. Gourd vines grow wild on the side of the road in summer and by fall, the gourds are dried out little hard shells. My nephews used to like to throw them at each other. We, personally, preferred shooting them out of our potato launcher (aka spud gun). They were the perfect size and plentiful. Anyway, someone had carefully wired together a bunch of gourds, made a frame to put them in, and attached it to an existing bus stop sign.

The next gourd sign I noticed was really clever. There is a row of round signs on Old Pecos Trail as you enter town. I think they are all for civic groups like the Lions Club. Well, there was an impostor in their midst.





Again, this is a spot hundreds of people drive past every day. I started talking to people about these signs and it amazed me how many people had never even noticed them.

Soon, another sign was spotted (on Old Santa Fe Trail near Quail Run). Another clever spot. Signs with arrows indicated a curve ahead and the mystery gourd artist had added a last sign to the series-




These last 2 were on their own wooden posts. Very nicely done. The gourds had begun to sag a bit on their wires but otherwise, everything was holding up really well.

A few weeks ago I found one more. Again, one of Santa Fe's busiest intersections. Near the Giant gas station near St. Francis and Cerrillos. On an old faded sign for the Santa Fe Ski Area.


I have no idea who made these, but I love them. Made of found materials and very cleverly done. Subtle yet obvious. Nicely constructed. Street art at its best. Kudos to the unknown gourd artist!